We’re so excited to be welcoming Kendall Hinton to Coram Deo Academy staff as our Pre-K teacher! Even though she’s been in the community for years as a mom of CDA students, we thought we would catch up with her and ask her a few questions about herself, so we can all get to know her. Here are 10 questions we asked and her answers!

 

1. Please tell us about yourself! Are you married? Have any children? Have any pets? Where are you from? What college did you attend?

My husband Luke and I will be celebrating twelve years of marriage together this December. We have three children together: Pax is going into 5th grade, Story is going into 4th grade and Maeve will be attending Pre K with me. We do not have any pets of our own but we do love to host our friends’ pets while they travel. I am originally from Fishers but spent eight years living in Huntsville Alabama and a few years in Louisville where Luke and I met. I first attended The University of Alabama in Huntsville where I studied early childhood education and then switched to Boyce College in Louisville where I studied Women’s Ministry. 

 

2. What influenced you to become a teacher?

I had always wanted to be a teacher growing up. I spent my adult years serving in children’s ministry and youth ministry as a teacher and loved it. When our older two children started preschool we homeschooled them and from that moment on a passion for teaching grew. There is something so special about the privilege of watching a child learn and grow in their education. When we sent them off to school in Kindergarten at Coram Deo, I knew I wanted to continue teaching in some way which is why I have spent the last two years serving as a substitute teacher in the school. 

 

3. What is one of your hidden talents?

Aside from my obvious ninja skills, I’m a heck of a bargain shopper if I do say so myself. Goodwill and I have a unique bond and mutual respect for each other. 

 

4. What is your favorite book and why?

Don’t Make Me Count to Three by Ginger Hubbard. I found this book when I was in the thick of parenting a two and three-year old and had no idea what I was doing. What struck me most about this book was the idea to search for the heart issue and correct that first rather than the surface issue. She taught me how to communicate well as I learned to ask questions that encouraged my children to look at the deep-rooted heart issue and correct it. To be honest, the book taught me to do the same for my life. It was exactly what I needed in that season of life. 

 

 

5. What are your hobbies?

Anything that involves being with my family. We love to go on bike rides, play at parks, hike, and explore nature. I also love anything that involves wellness. Keeping my family healthy is a priority to me, and I love researching and learning all the natural ways to do that. 

 

6. Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by?

My Grandpa used to say “How can I help?” He was always so willing to drop everything and help those around him regardless of what he was in the middle of. When he passed, that was one thing we heard so many people share with us, his willingness to help. That has been my goal over the last few years: to look for ways to help others with the same selfless heart he had. It was a way he imitated Christ, and I desire to follow in that as well. 

 

7. Who has inspired you in your life?

My most recent inspiration has come from the friendships I have made with the women of Coram Deo. Over the last five years they have taught me so much about faith, motherhood,  what it means to live life together, hospitality, vulnerability, Christ-like love, and so much more. I spent years praying for friendships like this, and the Lord brought them to me through this community. 

 

8. What gets you up in the morning?

The reward of hot coffee and a quiet house.

 

9. What historical figure would you like to spend a day with?

Is Mister Rogers historical enough? Regardless, I would love nothing more than to spend a day hearing him speak about his passion for children and education. He wanted to be a light in the world and bring kindness into homes of children who didn’t have it. I find him inspiring and comforting. 

 

10. What would we be surprised to learn about you?

I’m a pretty outgoing person. I thrive on spending time with people and love building relationships with others. With that being said, I am not a fan of large crowds or gatherings. They make me feel overwhelmed, and I shut down. Small gatherings are the way to go.